One couple, two families, one week and almost four ceremonies. That is an Ghanaian wedding, and this was my first experience attending one, over our Christmas break.

The first ceremony which is considered the “traditional ceremony” was unforgettable. This ceremony is 100% in the Ghanaian language, Twi, so I grasped little to nothing. Thankfully, the major aspects were previously explained to my family and I. When you arrive, you are asked to to sit on either the bride or groom’s side. The bride’s family and friends are seated inside the venue, while the groom’s family and friends are outside. The groom and his family must knock and be allowed in by the family of the bride. Once accepted, the groomsmen carry in large, ornately decorated presents for both the bride and her family. The gifts seemed to never stop coming; there must have been 25 beautiful boxes and gift baskets. The groomsmen take the boxes and set them at the feet of the eldest members of the bride’s family.

After the gift-giving, the woman’s family has to decide if the gifts are acceptable enough for them to give their daughter away. Thankfully, this family quickly decide that those gifts were more than suitable.

Next, enters the brothers of the bride, smiling and dancing their way down the aisle to give permission for their sister to be married. After that enters the groom, he too, dances down the aisle accompanied by his groomsmen who cheer him on (loudly), the bride and her bridal party do the same afterwards.

Once the bride and groom have both entered, all ordained ministers are called to the altar to give their blessing and a word of prayer over the bride and groom. Following that is the reading of the Bible from the man to the woman. To close the ceremony, the bride and groom share a kiss. But not on the lips; the man kisses his bride on the cheek.

Soon after, a lavish reception follows, where you are served by men in tuxedos who bring you all the food you could ever want. The two families and sets of friends accompany the couple as they dance the night away, literally.

Readers, stay tuned! This is only the first ceremony, the details surrounding the white wedding and the thanksgivings are to follow…

Image courtesy of Maya McCall ’20.